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Hot Honey Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta Treat

by on October 28, 2025

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Get ready to elevate your side dish game with my Hot Honey Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta! These vibrant carrots deliver a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. They’re easy to make and taste amazing with creamy ricotta. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore the many ways to enjoy this tasty treat!

- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled and trimmed - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons hot honey (or use regular honey with chili flakes) - 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes, for an optional spicy kick You can change baby carrots to regular carrots. Just cut them into sticks. Use any oil, like canola, if you don’t have olive oil. If you want less spice, go for regular honey. You can skip flaky sea salt and use regular salt. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of heavy cream with the ricotta. If you want a vegan option, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese. Each serving has about: - Calories: 200 - Protein: 6 g - Fat: 10 g - Carbohydrates: 25 g - Fiber: 4 g - Sugar: 6 g This dish is a great mix of flavors and good nutrition. It pairs well with many meals. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the carrots roast well. Next, take 1 pound of baby carrots and peel them. Trim the ends to keep them neat. In a large bowl, mix the peeled carrots with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Add 3 tablespoons of hot honey for sweetness and spice. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated. Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the sheet. Give them space so they roast evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, toss the carrots gently. This helps them caramelize nicely on all sides. They should be tender and golden-brown when done. While the carrots roast, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for taste. Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. This will add a rich and fresh flavor to your dish. Once the carrots are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For perfect roasted carrots, choose fresh, young baby carrots. Their sweetness shines through. Toss them with olive oil, hot honey, flaky sea salt, and ground cumin. This mix brings out great flavors. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one. This helps them roast evenly. Roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, toss the carrots gently. Look for a golden-brown color and tender texture when done. To whip ricotta for that creamy texture, start with whole milk ricotta. Add fresh lemon juice and a pinch of flaky sea salt. This brightens the flavor. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix until smooth. Aim for a light and fluffy texture. If you want it even creamier, mix in a bit of heavy cream. This will give you a richer, luxurious feel. For serving, spread the whipped ricotta on a large platter. This serves as a tasty base for the carrots. Arrange the hot honey roasted carrots on top. Finish with fresh parsley for color. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Pair this dish with a light salad or crusty bread. Adding a glass of chilled white wine enhances the meal. Enjoy your flavorful creation! Pro Tips Choose the Right Carrots: Opt for fresh, vibrant baby carrots for the best flavor and texture. If unavailable, consider using larger carrots cut into uniform pieces. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot honey or adding more chili flakes to the whipped ricotta, catering to your spice preference. Perfectly Whipped Ricotta: For an ultra-smooth texture, use room temperature ricotta and whip it longer. Adding a touch of cream can also elevate its creaminess. Garnishing for Flair: When garnishing, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for crunch, and a few drizzles of balsamic reduction for an extra flavor dimension. {{image_4}} If you want to turn up the heat, you can add more chili flakes. Mix them directly into the hot honey. You could also use a spicier honey, like chili-infused honey. For a fiery twist, try adding a squeeze of sriracha to the whipped ricotta. This adds a creamy texture and a kick. Carrots are great, but you can mix in other veggies too. Think about using parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even turnips. These veggies roast well and add different flavors. Just cut them to match the size of the carrots for even cooking. You can also use beets for a sweeter taste and a pop of color. Ricotta is lovely, but you can swap it out. Cream cheese adds a rich texture. Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey. You can even use feta for a salty kick. Just remember to mix in some lemon juice to keep it creamy and fresh. After you enjoy your hot honey roasted carrots, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the carrots cool down before sealing them. This keeps them fresh and prevents sogginess. If you have leftover whipped ricotta, store it in a separate container as well. It will stay good for about four days in the fridge. To reheat the carrots, place them on a baking sheet. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast the carrots for about 10 minutes until they are warm. This keeps their texture nice and crispy. If you're reheating the whipped ricotta, use the microwave. Heat it for about 15 seconds, stirring in between. This helps maintain its creamy texture. If you want to keep the roasted carrots longer, freeze them. First, let them cool completely. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Note that freezing may change their texture slightly. It’s best to use them in cooked dishes after thawing. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into similar sizes. Aim for pieces about the same length as baby carrots. This helps them cook evenly. Regular carrots may take a little longer to roast. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed. Hot honey is honey infused with heat. You can easily make it at home. Mix regular honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Use 3 tablespoons of honey with a pinch of chili flakes for a nice kick. Let it sit for a few hours to blend flavors. You can also buy hot honey at many stores. To adjust the spice level, add more or less hot honey. If you like it mild, use regular honey instead. For more heat, sprinkle in extra crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the carrots before roasting. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat. This blog post covered how to make a tasty carrot dish from start to finish. We talked about the main ingredients, tips for roasting, and ways to make it your own. Remember, you can swap ingredients or add spices to match your taste. Storing leftovers properly helps you enjoy this dish later. Dive into the FAQs for more helpful info. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe yourself! Enjoy the simple and delicious flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Unique Flavor Combination: The sweet heat of hot honey paired with earthy roasted carrots makes for a delightful and unexpected flavor profile.
  2. Easy Preparation: This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party side.
  3. Health Benefits: Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the addition of ricotta provides a creamy texture without a lot of added calories.
  4. Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the carrots and the creamy ricotta make this dish visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb baby carrots, peeled and trimmed

– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

– 3 tablespoons hot honey (or use regular honey with chili flakes)

– 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

– Crushed red pepper flakes, for an optional spicy kick

Substitutions for Ingredients

You can change baby carrots to regular carrots. Just cut them into sticks. Use any oil, like canola, if you don’t have olive oil. If you want less spice, go for regular honey. You can skip flaky sea salt and use regular salt. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of heavy cream with the ricotta. If you want a vegan option, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese.

Nutritional Information per Serving

Each serving has about:

– Calories: 200

– Protein: 6 g

– Fat: 10 g

– Carbohydrates: 25 g

– Fiber: 4 g

– Sugar: 6 g

This dish is a great mix of flavors and good nutrition. It pairs well with many meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Carrots

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the carrots roast well. Next, take 1 pound of baby carrots and peel them. Trim the ends to keep them neat. In a large bowl, mix the peeled carrots with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Add 3 tablespoons of hot honey for sweetness and spice. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated.

Roasting the Carrots

Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the sheet. Give them space so they roast evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, toss the carrots gently. This helps them caramelize nicely on all sides. They should be tender and golden-brown when done.

Whipping the Ricotta

While the carrots roast, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for taste. Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. This will add a rich and fresh flavor to your dish. Once the carrots are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfectly Roasted Carrots

For perfect roasted carrots, choose fresh, young baby carrots. Their sweetness shines through. Toss them with olive oil, hot honey, flaky sea salt, and ground cumin. This mix brings out great flavors. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one. This helps them roast evenly. Roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, toss the carrots gently. Look for a golden-brown color and tender texture when done.

How to Whip Ricotta for Creaminess

To whip ricotta for that creamy texture, start with whole milk ricotta. Add fresh lemon juice and a pinch of flaky sea salt. This brightens the flavor. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix until smooth. Aim for a light and fluffy texture. If you want it even creamier, mix in a bit of heavy cream. This will give you a richer, luxurious feel.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

For serving, spread the whipped ricotta on a large platter. This serves as a tasty base for the carrots. Arrange the hot honey roasted carrots on top. Finish with fresh parsley for color. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Pair this dish with a light salad or crusty bread. Adding a glass of chilled white wine enhances the meal. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Carrots: Opt for fresh, vibrant baby carrots for the best flavor and texture. If unavailable, consider using larger carrots cut into uniform pieces.
  2. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot honey or adding more chili flakes to the whipped ricotta, catering to your spice preference.
  3. Perfectly Whipped Ricotta: For an ultra-smooth texture, use room temperature ricotta and whip it longer. Adding a touch of cream can also elevate its creaminess.
  4. Garnishing for Flair: When garnishing, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for crunch, and a few drizzles of balsamic reduction for an extra flavor dimension.

Variations

Spicy Adaptations

If you want to turn up the heat, you can add more chili flakes. Mix them directly into the hot honey. You could also use a spicier honey, like chili-infused honey. For a fiery twist, try adding a squeeze of sriracha to the whipped ricotta. This adds a creamy texture and a kick.

Different Veggies to Incorporate

Carrots are great, but you can mix in other veggies too. Think about using parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even turnips. These veggies roast well and add different flavors. Just cut them to match the size of the carrots for even cooking. You can also use beets for a sweeter taste and a pop of color.

Alternative Cheese Options

Ricotta is lovely, but you can swap it out. Cream cheese adds a rich texture. Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey. You can even use feta for a salty kick. Just remember to mix in some lemon juice to keep it creamy and fresh.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

After you enjoy your hot honey roasted carrots, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the carrots cool down before sealing them. This keeps them fresh and prevents sogginess. If you have leftover whipped ricotta, store it in a separate container as well. It will stay good for about four days in the fridge.

Reheating Tips

To reheat the carrots, place them on a baking sheet. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast the carrots for about 10 minutes until they are warm. This keeps their texture nice and crispy. If you’re reheating the whipped ricotta, use the microwave. Heat it for about 15 seconds, stirring in between. This helps maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing Recommendations

If you want to keep the roasted carrots longer, freeze them. First, let them cool completely. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Note that freezing may change their texture slightly. It’s best to use them in cooked dishes after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into similar sizes. Aim for pieces about the same length as baby carrots. This helps them cook evenly. Regular carrots may take a little longer to roast. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What is hot honey and how can I make my own?

Hot honey is honey infused with heat. You can easily make it at home. Mix regular honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Use 3 tablespoons of honey with a pinch of chili flakes for a nice kick. Let it sit for a few hours to blend flavors. You can also buy hot honey at many stores.

How to adjust the spice level in this recipe?

To adjust the spice level, add more or less hot honey. If you like it mild, use regular honey instead. For more heat, sprinkle in extra crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the carrots before roasting. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat.

This blog post covered how to make a tasty carrot dish from start to finish. We talked about the main ingredients, tips for roasting, and ways to make it your own. Remember, you can swap ingredients or add spices to match your taste. Storing leftovers properly helps you enjoy this dish later. Dive into the FAQs for more helpful info. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe yourself! Enjoy the simple and delicious flavor

- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled and trimmed - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons hot honey (or use regular honey with chili flakes) - 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes, for an optional spicy kick You can change baby carrots to regular carrots. Just cut them into sticks. Use any oil, like canola, if you don’t have olive oil. If you want less spice, go for regular honey. You can skip flaky sea salt and use regular salt. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of heavy cream with the ricotta. If you want a vegan option, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese. Each serving has about: - Calories: 200 - Protein: 6 g - Fat: 10 g - Carbohydrates: 25 g - Fiber: 4 g - Sugar: 6 g This dish is a great mix of flavors and good nutrition. It pairs well with many meals. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the carrots roast well. Next, take 1 pound of baby carrots and peel them. Trim the ends to keep them neat. In a large bowl, mix the peeled carrots with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Add 3 tablespoons of hot honey for sweetness and spice. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated. Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the sheet. Give them space so they roast evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, toss the carrots gently. This helps them caramelize nicely on all sides. They should be tender and golden-brown when done. While the carrots roast, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for taste. Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. This will add a rich and fresh flavor to your dish. Once the carrots are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For perfect roasted carrots, choose fresh, young baby carrots. Their sweetness shines through. Toss them with olive oil, hot honey, flaky sea salt, and ground cumin. This mix brings out great flavors. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one. This helps them roast evenly. Roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, toss the carrots gently. Look for a golden-brown color and tender texture when done. To whip ricotta for that creamy texture, start with whole milk ricotta. Add fresh lemon juice and a pinch of flaky sea salt. This brightens the flavor. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix until smooth. Aim for a light and fluffy texture. If you want it even creamier, mix in a bit of heavy cream. This will give you a richer, luxurious feel. For serving, spread the whipped ricotta on a large platter. This serves as a tasty base for the carrots. Arrange the hot honey roasted carrots on top. Finish with fresh parsley for color. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Pair this dish with a light salad or crusty bread. Adding a glass of chilled white wine enhances the meal. Enjoy your flavorful creation! Pro Tips Choose the Right Carrots: Opt for fresh, vibrant baby carrots for the best flavor and texture. If unavailable, consider using larger carrots cut into uniform pieces. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot honey or adding more chili flakes to the whipped ricotta, catering to your spice preference. Perfectly Whipped Ricotta: For an ultra-smooth texture, use room temperature ricotta and whip it longer. Adding a touch of cream can also elevate its creaminess. Garnishing for Flair: When garnishing, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for crunch, and a few drizzles of balsamic reduction for an extra flavor dimension. {{image_4}} If you want to turn up the heat, you can add more chili flakes. Mix them directly into the hot honey. You could also use a spicier honey, like chili-infused honey. For a fiery twist, try adding a squeeze of sriracha to the whipped ricotta. This adds a creamy texture and a kick. Carrots are great, but you can mix in other veggies too. Think about using parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even turnips. These veggies roast well and add different flavors. Just cut them to match the size of the carrots for even cooking. You can also use beets for a sweeter taste and a pop of color. Ricotta is lovely, but you can swap it out. Cream cheese adds a rich texture. Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey. You can even use feta for a salty kick. Just remember to mix in some lemon juice to keep it creamy and fresh. After you enjoy your hot honey roasted carrots, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the carrots cool down before sealing them. This keeps them fresh and prevents sogginess. If you have leftover whipped ricotta, store it in a separate container as well. It will stay good for about four days in the fridge. To reheat the carrots, place them on a baking sheet. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast the carrots for about 10 minutes until they are warm. This keeps their texture nice and crispy. If you're reheating the whipped ricotta, use the microwave. Heat it for about 15 seconds, stirring in between. This helps maintain its creamy texture. If you want to keep the roasted carrots longer, freeze them. First, let them cool completely. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Note that freezing may change their texture slightly. It’s best to use them in cooked dishes after thawing. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into similar sizes. Aim for pieces about the same length as baby carrots. This helps them cook evenly. Regular carrots may take a little longer to roast. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed. Hot honey is honey infused with heat. You can easily make it at home. Mix regular honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Use 3 tablespoons of honey with a pinch of chili flakes for a nice kick. Let it sit for a few hours to blend flavors. You can also buy hot honey at many stores. To adjust the spice level, add more or less hot honey. If you like it mild, use regular honey instead. For more heat, sprinkle in extra crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the carrots before roasting. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat. This blog post covered how to make a tasty carrot dish from start to finish. We talked about the main ingredients, tips for roasting, and ways to make it your own. Remember, you can swap ingredients or add spices to match your taste. Storing leftovers properly helps you enjoy this dish later. Dive into the FAQs for more helpful info. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe yourself! Enjoy the simple and delicious flavors.

Hot Honey Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta

A delicious dish featuring roasted baby carrots drizzled with hot honey and served over whipped ricotta, garnished with fresh parsley.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons hot honey
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
  • to taste crushed red pepper flakes, for an optional spicy kick

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the carrots.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and trimmed baby carrots with the extra-virgin olive oil, hot honey, flaky sea salt, and ground cumin. Toss everything together until the carrots are fully and evenly coated in the mixture.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then spread the carrots out in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they have space to roast evenly.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give them a gentle toss to ensure they caramelize beautifully on all sides. They should be tender and have a lovely golden-brown color when done.
  • While the carrots roast, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with fresh lemon juice and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to whip the ingredients until they achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Once the carrots are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before assembling the dish.
  • For an appealing presentation, spread a generous dollop of the whipped ricotta across a large serving platter. Arrange the hot honey roasted carrots artfully on top. Finish by garnishing with the finely chopped parsley and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an added burst of heat and color.

Notes

For an upscale touch, create swirls in the whipped ricotta and drizzle extra hot honey over the dish.
Keyword carrots, hot honey, roasted vegetables, whipped ricotta

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